The Party Starts Now: Maui Film Festival Specials Events Line Up

There’s nothing more remarkable than sitting out on the grass in Wailea enjoying a Maui Film Festival movie under the canopy of galaxies with stars twinkling overhead. Each night at the Celestial Cinema, a celebrity is honored with one of the festival’s achievement awards. What’s more, the festival has a stunning line-up of culinary galas. And there’s a selection of gripping panels that offer film buffs the chance to deep dive with filmmakers.

To help you navigate all that, we created this handy guide to the Maui Film Festival’s special events. For the full film schedule and ticket info, go to Mauifilmfestival.com.

Wednesday, June 21

5-7pm Grand Wailea

TASTE OF SUMMER – Look for cocktail and culinary artistry to kick off the 18th annual Maui Film Festival. The Official Launch Party is a cocktail reception, with dinner and live music and includes admission to Wednesday Night’s Celestial Cinema Double Feature but you must be 21 or over to attend.

Navigator Award: CONNIE BRITTON (The award will be presented before a screening of Beatriz at Dinner, in which Britton stars).

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Thursday, June 22

8pm Celestial Cinema

Shining Star Award: FREIDA PINTO

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8pm Wailea Beach (below the Four Seasons Resort)

Toes in the Sand Cinema: A free community screening, open to everybody. Presenting the 2017 Short Film Showcase. Great short filmmakers are the future of cinema. Take a ride for a sneak peek at what will be. Parents take note: Some films are appropriate for kids, some not. Show leads with kid-friendly films first. No ticket necessary.

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Friday, June 23

8pm Celestial Cinema

Pathfinder Award: PIERCE BROSNAN (presented before the 10:30pm screening of Poisoning Paradise, in which Pierce was the Executive Producer and his wife Keely was the director).

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10PM – Midnight Four Seasons Resort Maui

TASTE OF CHOCOLATE – Immerse yourself in Chocolate Paradise. Ticket includes admission to Friday Night’s Celestial Cinema Double Feature & Festivities, must be 21 or over to attend.

Name any world class surfer from anywhere on Earth and these artist/athletes have been in the water with them. Panelists: Tim Bonython, Producer/Director, The Big Wave Project: A Band of Brothers; Don King, Cinematographer; Taylor Steele, Director, Proximity; Kimi Werner, Patagonia Surf Ambassador, Fishpeople.